Highway 22 serves as a major transportation corridor along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Hundreds of dangerous goods loads are transported to numerous processing plants along the highway. Specifically, crude oil (sweet and sour), Liquified Petroleum Gas, and other flammable liquids are commonplace.
At the request of the Chief Dangerous Goods Inspector for the province, a Join Forces Operation was conducted on the morning of June 17th. Peace Officers from the County of Wetaskiwin, Clearwater County and Brazeau County along with local Police and Alberta Transportation personnel conducted inspections of numerous commercial vehicles focusing on the above mentioned commodities. In addition to ensuring regulatory compliance, officers were given an opportunity to refresh their inspector training and first responder skills. This event also coincided with National Dangerous Goods Week which brings public and industry awareness to the program.
Although the operation only lasted a few hours, approximately thirty (30) commercial vehicles were checked and were mostly tankers. Three (3) units were removed from the highway for being unsafe. Four (4) dangerous charges were laid for violations like expired tank certifications, transporting dangerous goods when not trained, and dangerous goods not being properly documented.
